Charlotte Talks Local News Roundup: Phase 1 Begins; NC Behind On Testing; Proposed City Budget

On the next Charlotte Talks local news roundup …

We take a look at the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact in Mecklenburg County and beyond.

Today is May 8, the day Gov. Roy Cooper has declared an end to North Carolina’s stay-at-home order as we currently know it. Stay-at-home is still in effect, but with fewer restrictions. At 5 p.m., we begin Phase 1 of the governor’s plan to reopen the state. We’ll talk about what that means here in Mecklenburg County and beyond, and how local businesses are preparing to get back to work.

And while we’re making moves to open up the state again, a COVID-19 tracking project shows that North Carolina does not rank well when it comes to testing for the virus — and experts say testing is the key to stopping the spread. So what does the state say about our 45 out of 50 ranking? We’ll discuss.

Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones recommended the city budget for next year, and included no tax increases or furloughs or layoffs for city workers. The plan also includes no losses in city services. We’ll go over the details.

Although the announcement was made in recent weeks that schools in North Carolina were closed due to the coronavirus, distance learning has continued across the state — for some. How are educators and school officials reaching those students who may otherwise fall through the cracks?

Schools in North Carolina will open a week earlier next year, on August 17. That announcement was part of a COVID-19 response plan signed by the governor this week. What will that mean for educators and families here and around the state?

Host Mike Collins brings those stories and much more along with area journalists.

Guests:

Mary C. Curtis, columnist for Rollcall.com and WCCB 

Jonathan Lowe, anchor/ reporter for Spectrum News

Joe BrunoWSOC-TV Reporter

Ann Doss HelmsWFAE Education Reporter

Mary C. Curtis: Phase 1 of North Carolina’s Reopening Plan

CHARLOTTE, NC — This week, North Carolina will take a step toward reopening the state.

Governor Roy Cooper says phase one of reopening starts Friday.

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis breaks down the plan and what it means moving forward.

POLITICAL WRAP: Pressure on States to Reopen; Biden Addresses Sexual Assault Allegation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Growing pressure on states to reopen, amid continued protests.

Monday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will lift the state’s “home or work” order, with North Carolina set to enter phase one by the end of the week.

And Presidential candidate Joe Biden breaks his silence on a sexual assault allegation from a former Senate staffer.

Republican allege a double standard compared to the scrutiny faced by Brett Kavanaugh during his Supreme Court nomination hearing.

Our political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more in the video above.

Mary C. Curtis: Reopening NC & Relief Bill for Small Businesses

CHARLOTTE, NC — More COVID-19 relief is coming from a $480 billion dollar package for small businesses.

There’s also money for hospitals and testing.

The bill moves from the senate to the house where it is expected to be voted on Thursday.

South Carolina made the move to lift restrictions for some businesses.

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis has more on what the move means.

Mary C. Curtis: How U.S. Governors and Mayors Are Fighting Coronavirus

CHARLOTTE, NC — Governors and mayors across the country including the Carolinas have taken a lead role in confronting the coronavirus pandemic.

Many are giving day-to-day updates and holding press conferences to keep you informed.

WCCB political contributor Mary C. Curtis weighs in on how different leaders are responding.

Why North Carolina Matters In 2020

How competitive will North Carolina be in 2020? We talk about the presidential race, a tough battle for Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and the hyperpolarization of local politics in the state.

Host Jeremy Hobson is joined by Jeff Tiberii (@j_tibs), Capitol Bureau Chief at WUNC and Mary Curtis (@mcurtisnc3), columnist at Roll Call based in Charlotte.

Opinion: In North Carolina, the Good and Not-So-Good News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It’s North Carolina, so, of course, the good news is followed by that pesky dark cloud every time.

You would think everyone in the state would welcome the end of the long saga over House Bill 2, the so-called bathroom bill, which was repealed recently in a compromise. That bill, which had compelled people to use the bathroom that corresponded to the gender on their birth certificates, also said cities could not follow Charlotte’s lead and enact their own anti-discrimination ordinances or a minimum wage and much more.

 

NCAA Deadline Looms, Confusion Over HB2 Repeal Efforts

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Another effort to craft legislation to get rid of North Carolina’s “bathroom’s bill” and halt more economic losses appears gone as Republicans and Democrats point fingers over whether an agreement ever existed. The GOP-controlled legislature and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper have been trying to find a way to repeal House Bill 2 before the NCAA decides to leave the state out of hosting championship events through 2022. The NCAA had mentioned a deadline this week. House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger said Tuesday evening that they had agreed to a plan from Cooper’s office that would repeal HB2 but include other provisions. Berger said Cooper backed out of that plan. The House Democratic leader said later there had been no formal offer and called the Republican leaders’ news conference a stunt because the GOP lacks the votes to pass a bill.

WCCB Political Contributor, Mary C. Curtis, weighs in.